Leena called back close to midnight. She had already drafted and sent formal notices to the travel agency, the hotel, and the email address listed on the Volkov Escapes website. The notices said I had not authorized any additional bookings, had no role in the business, and had not agreed to act for it in any capacity.
Then she asked me a question I hadn’t thought about.
“Does your employer know?”
I looked at my conference photograph on the laptop screen. The one with my real job title in the program underneath it.
“No.”
“It’s better coming from you,” she said. “With the records. Before anyone else tells them a different version.”
I didn’t sleep much. At seven the next morning, I called my director, Helen Brandt, at home.
Helen has been my boss for six years. She’s sharp and fair and doesn’t waste words. I explained everything. I didn’t make it sound smaller than it was. I told her about the website, the title, the photograph, the invoice.
When I finished, she was quiet for a moment.
“Send the documents to legal and to our chief compliance officer,” she said. “I’ll let them know they’re coming.”
“Okay.”
“Have you used any company resources in connection with this? Email, phones, systems?”
“No.”
“Have you taken any money from anyone?”
“No.”
“Then keep those answers clear and simple. Don’t let anybody make them complicated.”
“I’m so embarrassed, Helen.”
“I understand,” she said. “We’ll separate that from the evidence.”
I had said almost those exact words to colleagues over the years. People who had been caught up in something they didn’t cause. Hearing them said to me made my throat close up.
The next morning, a woman named Ruth Bell emailed me.
She was seventy-three years old and lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. She’d found my email address through my professional profile. She attached an invoice for two travelers.
€4,900.
It listed accommodation for seven nights, airport transfers, guided activities, and a farewell dinner. It looked professional. It had a logo.
At the bottom was a signature that looked like mine.
Her message was so polite it made my chest ache.
Dear Ms. Volkov, we were told by your sister that you would resolve the accommodation issue at the hotel. My husband Walter had hip surgery in March and cannot stand for long periods. We have been sitting in the lobby since yesterday afternoon. We paid the full amount from our retirement savings in August. Could you please advise us what to do? Thank you so much. Ruth.
I read it three times.
Then I forwarded it to Leena.
With her help, I wrote back. I said that I had not approved the invoice, had no role in the business, and had reported the unauthorized use of my identity. I gave her the name of the hotel’s manager. I told her I was very sorry she and Walter had been put in this position.
I did not promise to pay.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.